PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING

Vol. 33 Iss. 26 - August 21, 2017

Title of Regulation:2VAC5-319.
Best Management Practices for the Operation of Apiaries in Order to Limit
Operator Liability.

Statutory Authority: § 3.2-4411.1 of the Code of
Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: C. B. Ecker.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: Petitioner requests
amendments to 2VAC5-319, Best Management Practices for the Operation of
Apiaries in Order to Limit Operator Liability, to (i) provide a mechanism to offer
public comment regarding the regulation via a regional apiary inspector; (ii)
establish provisions for short-term waivers, long-term waivers, and permanent
exemptions from the best management practices included in the regulation; and
(iii) authorize the Virginia State Beekeepers Association's website as an
official communication outlet for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (VDACS) and direct VDACS to establish or reinitiate official
communication with certain entities to communicate honey beekeeping policy to
best inform apiarists without broadband service.

Agency Plan for Disposition of Request: The Board of
Agriculture and Consumer Services will consider this request at its next
scheduled meeting following the public comment period. This meeting will occur
on December 7, 2017.